For the past week, local residents wishing to receive help with legal issues have been unable to do so at the Macksville Local Court.
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While the Court has remained open on sitting days (Thursdays), the Registrars office has had its hours restricted and has been closed to the public on the other days of the week.
When Guardian News made enquiries as to the official reason for the changes a spokesperson from the Department of Justice said this was a “temporary arrangement while the Registrar is on leave”.
As further explanation, the spokesperson said “ the Sheriff’s Office is carrying out a risk assessment at Macksville Courthouse to determine whether any security upgrades are required”.
When asked if this was a backdoor method to eventually closing down the Macksville Local Court, the spokesperson said there are “no plans to change sittings at Macksville”.
“A number of services are available for NSW Courts online via www.onlineregistry.lawlink.nsw.gov.au making it easier for regional customers to access services 24/7 from the convenience of their home or workplace,” the spokesperson said.
“Statistics show 90 percent of Local Court Civil and 76 percent of Local Court Crime forms are now filed online rather than in person at registries.
"The State Library also provides quality legal information through its Find Legal Answers service online at www.legalanswers.sl.nsw.gov.au and in libraries.
“Macksville residents can also email the registry local-court-macksville@justice.nsw.gov.au with their enquiries, contact LawAccess on 1800 888 529 or phone the NSW Court Service Centre on 1300 679 272.”
Local residents are advised that if they wish to make a formal complaint about the situation, they should write to Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey at oxley@parliament.nsw.gov.au